"CAFCA meetings are essential to my ability to lead my agency. I cannot be everywhere and know everything that is pertinent to the work we do with children, youth and families in crisis. Networking and problem solving with staff of CAFCA member agencies helps me stay in touch and spurs me to action. I believe that we are greater as a coalition than we could ever be as individuals."
Ruth Ann Russell, Executive Director, Family Tree Inc.

Membership Benefits:

ADVOCACY:

CAFCA works throughout the year to advocate on behalf of member agencies and the children and families they serve. We advocate on the local, state and national level, coordinating with other advocacy groups on issues of common concern. Staff and members work closely with state legislators and committee staff to promote understanding and gain support for issues affecting the provision of services to vulnerable children and families. CAFCA is represented at the Colorado State Capitol by a professional lobbying firm. Over the past 20 years, CAFCA has influenced many public policy issues and the creation of legislation benefiting children and families.

CAFCA is also closely involved with the development of regulations affecting its members. We help draft and review rules from the Departments of Human Services, Health Care Policy and Finance, Public Health and Education.

COMMUNICATION:

CAFCA keeps its members highly informed through the CAFCA Brief Update, frequent email and memos which convey details and interpretation of relevant issues. During the legislative session, members also receive regular legislative updates from the lobbyists.

As a member of the Child Welfare League of America and the National Organization of State Associations for Children, CAFCA provides members with access to important national information.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION:

Annual Conference-
Each year, CAFCA holds is Annual Conference for those working in the field with children and families. This one day program provides staff of local agencies the opportunity to relax and learn in a comfortable atmosphere with their peers. Participants come away rejuvenated and equipped with new techniques for dealing with the pressures and problems they face every day working with children. The conference is also an opportunity for member programs to share innovative ideas with each other.

Seminars-
CAFCA offers various seminars throughout the year on current issues facing child welfare providers. Members receive a discount at the conference and training sessions. For more information on CAFCA's training and conference please go to the Upcoming Events page.

PARTICIPATION AND NETWORKING:

CAFCA members can get involved with the association by participating in our committees and attending monthly general membership meetings. Through committees, members discuss policy questions and influence how CAFCA will react to policy issues.

Committees include:

• Adoption
• Children's Treatment Services (CTS)
• Foster Care
• Public Policy

In addition to the standing committees, we frequently convene task forces to address specific issues. CAFCA members also participate in committees with state and county officials to address issues of regional and statewide concern.

"One of the biggest benefits of membership is the networking with similar organizations who are committed to best standard practice in their work with children and families."
Megan Alldritt, Child Welfare Director, Catholic Charities, Denver

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES:

• Regular Membership -- open to private, non-profit agencies serving children and families in Colorado. Regular members are entitled to vote and pay dues based on their budgets.
• Associate Membership -- open to private non-profit agencies serving children and families for the first two years of membership. Associate members are not entitled to vote and pay 1/2 of their regular dues.
• Government Agencies -- open to County and Local governments that run direct service programs. Membership is non-voting and dues are $500 per year.

CHILD ADVOCATE AFFILIATES:

Child Advocate Affiliates can participate in committee work and received discounts at Association sponsored trainings, however, they cannot vote or chair committees.  Child Advocate Affiliates' annual fees are negotiated by the Executive Director.  These fees might be based on current member dues structure &/or ability to pay.  Examples of Child Advocate Affiliates are:

• Individuals & Consultants -- open to individuals interested in the issues CAFCA addresses who do not work for an agency that qualifies for membership.
• Student Membership -- open to any student interested in child welfare issues and gaining contacts for future employment. 
• Other Non-profit and For-Profit Agencies -- open to organizations, institutions, other membership agencies, Churches, etc. that work in related fields that do not qualify for membership. 
• Corporate -- open to for-profit organizations that wish to support CAFCA's mission and goals. 

For more information on becoming a member of CAFCA please call 720-570-8402 or email us at info@cafca.net for additional membership information.